Yesterday, the budget vote was postponed as they reworked the package given additional unexpected revenues. Here are some comments from Speaker Roberts, Assemblywoman Watson Coleman and Assemblyman Grewenwald about the success of the tax amnestry program. According to numbers from the state Department of Treasury, the program has collected more than $600 million - $400 million over initial projections - and represents the largest single tax amnesty program executed by any state:The Governor's office and Legislative leaders can now tout the success of the program, which is a nice change from the news they have been dealing with lately. What do you think they should do with the money? The Governor and Legislative leaders have indicated it will go toward property tax relief. Others have questioned why it will not be used to pay down the debt or restore funding for other program cuts. We'll know when the budget committees go through the process again on Monday and then Leaders hope to pass the budget next Thursday now.
